The Pause That Moves You Forward

Life has a way of moving in waves. Sometimes, we find ourselves riding high on a crest, filled with energy, excitement, and direction. Other times, we hit a wall—a period where everything feels stagnant, like driving through thick fog without a clear path forward. These moments of stillness can be unsettling, leaving us questioning our purpose, decisions, or next steps. But what if these periods of stagnation were not roadblocks, but invitations for deeper reflection and redirection?

Stagnation doesn’t always announce itself in grand, dramatic ways. It can be subtle—a nagging feeling of restlessness, a lack of enthusiasm for things that once excited us, or a growing sense that we’re merely going through the motions. It might show up in our careers, relationships, personal growth, or even our creative pursuits. The first step to moving forward is acknowledging that we feel stuck, without judgment or resistance.

The concept of stagnation has been studied in psychology, particularly in relation to motivation and mental health. Csikszentmihalyi’s (1990) theory of "flow" suggests that when people engage in activities that match their skills with an appropriate level of challenge, they experience fulfillment and progress. Otherwise, when that balance is lost—when tasks become too overwhelming or even too easy—stagnation sets in.

Our immediate reaction to stagnation is often frustration. We want solutions, fast. However, what if instead of resisting the pause, we leaned into it? Moments of stillness can be powerful. They offer us space to reflect, reassess, and redefine what truly matters. Perhaps this period of uncertainty is nudging us toward a change we’ve been avoiding or signalling that it’s time to let go of something that no longer serves us.

Historically, many great figures have faced moments of stagnation that ultimately led to breakthroughs. Leonardo da Vinci, known for his genius across multiple disciplines, experienced creative blocks throughout his life. He would often set projects aside for years, allowing time for new insights to emerge. Similarly, writers like J.K. Rowling have spoken about years of uncertainty before finding their true path. These stories remind us that stagnation is often a prelude to transformation.

Stagnation doesn’t mean you are destined to remain stuck; rather, it is life’s way of hitting the pause button, allowing you to recalibrate before moving forward again. Think of it like a rest note in music—it doesn’t signal the end of the song, but instead creates space for the next note to emerge. The key is to recognise when the pause has served its purpose and take small, intentional steps back into motion. Just as a river encountering an obstacle finds a way to flow around it, you too can navigate stagnation by embracing the stillness momentarily, learning from it, and then using that newfound clarity to propel yourself forward.

When forward momentum feels impossible, the key is to start small. Here are a few ways to gently ease out of stagnation:

1. Reconnect with Curiosity | What piques your interest? What small thing can you explore without pressure? A book, a course, a conversation? According to neuroscientific studies, curiosity triggers dopamine release, which enhances motivation and learning (Gruber, Gelman, & Ranganath, 2014).

   
   

2. Break the Routine | Sometimes, a change of scenery or daily habits can reignite inspiration. Take a different route to work, try a new hobby, or travel somewhere unfamiliar. Even small changes in environment can stimulate neural plasticity, helping us see things from a fresh perspective (Davidson & McEwen, 2012).

   
   

3. Reflect on Past Moments of Flow | Recall times when you felt most engaged and alive. What were you doing? Who were you with? How can you reintroduce elements of those experiences into your present life?

   
   

4. Seek Connection | Often, we get stuck in our own heads. Talking to someone—a mentor, friend, or therapist—can offer new perspectives and remind us that we’re not alone. Social support has been linked to greater resilience and problem-solving abilities (House, Landis, & Umberson, 1988).

   
   

5. Take Imperfect Action | Waiting for the perfect moment or plan often keeps us stagnant. Start with one small step, even if it’s messy or unclear. Momentum builds with movement.

Feeling stuck is not a permanent state. It is a natural rhythm of life, signalling that something within us is ready to shift. Rather than seeing stagnation as failure, we can view it as an essential pause—an opportunity to realign with what truly matters.

If you’re feeling stuck right now, be gentle with yourself. Trust that clarity will come, movement will return, and this moment of stillness, however uncomfortable, is guiding you toward something meaningful.

'Till next time...